Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Ancient Egypt

Drawing influence from changes in the natural world and shifts in social, political, and religious beliefs, ancient Egyptian culture experienced vast changes over millennia. Ancient Egypt explores the unique and complex peoples of ancient Egypt, with a focus on everyday life, the importance of animals and the land, life after death, and the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Learn More

BEERology

Modern civilization is beer civilization! Agriculture, cities, writing, and religion all have ties to ancient craft brewing. Learn fascinating stories and see phenomenal artifacts that reveal the links between beer and culture, such as the solid gold beer cup of an Inca king. Learn More

Cannibals: Myth & Reality

In this thoughtful (and gore-free) one-of-a-kind exhibition, you’ll discover that cannibals aren’t who you think they are. They’re warriors from many cultures, European kings and queens, American and European sailors, American colonists, accident survivors, the sick, and more. Learn More

California Tower

Climb the California Tower and get a new perspective on San Diego and its history—visitors and locals alike won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience! The California Tower is one of San Diego’s most iconic historic landmarks. Make the climb on a 40-minute guided tour that highlights the origins of Balboa Park. All tours culminate in breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego from the Tower’s eighth-floor viewing deck—from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Cuyamaca Mountains in the east, and beyond. Learn More

Hostile Terrain 94

Hostile Terrain 94 is a participatory map installation created by the Undocumented Migration Project, a non-profit research and arts-education collective. This installation is intended to raise awareness about the realities of the U.S.–Mexico Border, focusing on the deaths that have been happening almost daily since 1994 as a direct result of the Border Patrol policy “Prevention Through Deterrence”. Learn More

Kumeyaay: Native Californians/Iipai-Tipai

The Museum of Us recognizes that it sits on the ancestral homeland of the Kumeyaay Nation. The Museum extends its respect and gratitude to the Kumeyaay peoples who have lived here since time immemorial.  The Kumeyaay Peoples are the Indigenous people of present-day Southern California (San Diego and western Imperial Counties) and Northern Baja California. For many generations before the arrival of the Spanish, they have occupied the deserts, mountains, and coasts, developing sophisticated means of adapting to the diverse environments. Learn More

Living with Animals

Over 15,000 years ago humans began sharing their meals with wolves, forging the first friendship between humans and animals–but where did we go from there? Take a journey with us and discover all the surprising, unique, and inspiring ways that we live with animals. You’ll find we’re not human without them! Learn More

Maya Peoples: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth

Developed in collaboration with Maya community consultants, this exhibition celebrates Maya continuity and the unbroken Maya spirit — whose languages, ceremonies, and connections to the land are founded on a common kinship. Learn More

PostSecret

Would you share your secrets with a stranger? For over a decade, millions of people from all over the world have been anonymously sharing theirs with Frank Warren, founder of the community art project, PostSecret. Each postcard submission is a unique work of art handmade by people who needed to share and release their secret into the world. Explore the power of secrets in this exhibition. Learn More

Race: Are We So Different?

Is race the color of your skin? Is it the texture of your hair? The shape of your eyes? Is it in your genes? This exhibition explains the origins of race and racism, and helps us understand how to deal with them in productive, enlightening ways. Learn More